Some notes about the #CPC 2026 Calgary Convention. #CanPol #cdnpoli #Conservative #Tory :
1. The ex-MP pointed to me: "You're abnormal", and he pointed to my left: "You're abnormal", then "And he's abnormal", and "I'm abnormal." We are all people who enjoy sitting around over lunch and discussing relations with the PRC.
Imagine that you have a niche interest, F1, let's say. Every morning, you check the news about F1, you listen to podcasts about it, you read essays about it. (cont'd)
1/12
@mpjgregoire this is a great thread. Thank you!
That's kind of you to say, @evan . I'm still somewhat concerned people will think I'm spamming the timeline.
@pluralistic does it and people don't mind; but I'm not the same kind of writer.
Really, this ought to be a blog post, not a thread; I should really reactivate my blog.
You have thoughtful opinions, say about the merits of a two-stop strategy in the Monaco GP. But your friends, family, co-workers — they're normal. They like talking about hockey, vacations, movies, and so on. Maybe you let out some of your F1 passion on social media. Now imagine that you go to a multi-day gathering of F1 fans...
2/12
But no, it's beyond that. To go to a political convention is not merely to be surrounded by people with a common interest: it's as if you're all part of the pit crew, you're all on the same team. You are people who've done the same sort of work — knocking on doors, putting up signs, calling potential supporters — to help your side win. You're with your teammates.
3/12
Someone whom
you've never seen before and may never see again and who lives across the
country from you is a comrade in the struggle, someone you can go out to supper
with, buy a drink for, call by first name, talk with about what's in the news
in his or her province. I was walking on the sidewalk downtown Saturday night,
someone recognised me, and in a few minutes I was driving her car (to help with
parking).
4/n
At NDP conventions, it's customary to refer to the delegates as
brothers and sisters; Conservatives don't do that, but the feeling exists.
If you have an interest in politics, think seriously about going to a
convention.
5/n
